Be here now

Be here now
by Rebecca Brugman

Maine has a lot of wildlife. Every day I see and hear messages. In trying to organize a story about one animal, I’ve opened a library of details in myself. Suffice it to say, I’ve seen a lot of seals, deer, coyote, frogs, and squirrels. I have a moose story, a bear story, and two about the falcon. 
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Yes, I see them all the time, but for it to be today in a moment of joyful realization? That is Magic. ​That is when I know Spirit is real. 

​I wasn’t sure I could narrow down a lesson from Eagles. I see them over the harbor fishing. They sit in the trees ignoring how the wind ruffles their feathers. They soar high in groups, circling and crying on crisp winter days, when there’s no warmth in the sunlight. 
 
Today was a day like that and I filed my taxes. It’s a burden of a process for many but I have endeavored to treat it as a holiday. I figure finding joy in that tax return will allow the inflow to continue. So for me it’s renewal. It’s knowing winter is passing, seeds are being planted soon, and I will continue. It’s no coincidence that tax season starts with Imbolc. 
 
I work hard year after year, trusting and leaping towards long haul plans. I suffer impatience watching seasons turn, while I’m just laying down the path. Could we get there already? 
 
But no. And in finally being ok with that part of the cycle I am filled with gratitude, when the shift emerges at last! Today was that day. 
 
I drove home from the appointment debating which of my projects could now get attention. I talked to myself in the car. The music was going. I felt the tingles come up my neck as an idea solidified. 
 
That’s when I saw the eagle. It came over the trees along the right side of the road towards me. It was so low, I could see its eyes. Of course I stopped. 

Library Art Project by Rebecca Brugman

It hovered, tilted and went over and behind me. It circled back and flew above me again as the car started to roll. I’d flung the window down and whistled up at the creature. We flew together for a few seconds and it kited off over a field. 
 
Yes, I see them all the time, but for it to be today in a moment of joyful realization? That is Magic. 
That is when I know Spirit is real. 
 
It reminds me of the interconnected nature of all things, down to the microscopic level and intangible qualities of energy; things like love. 
 
I hadn’t specifically connected with eagles in a while, but just this week I felt for my path to that moment. I asked for an experience, prayed for a song and just like that, one flies over me. Flies over at a moment, when my vibe was elevated to a place, where we could communicate. We could be in the same space at the same time. 
 
Next week when I’m sighing and chewing my lip again, I will remember this. I will feel the awe of making eye contact with an eagle. I will think of how soft the feathers must be. I will thank it for nodding at me and casting its spell of grace into my day. 
 
I carry deep reverence for these beings, for these interactions, and for my duty to receive the gifts they bring. Today is a day, when the kaleidoscope coalesces and the way forward is allowed. 
 
A’ho.